Chapter 6 The Hotel's Owner

Over the past few years, Hollow Springs had transformed into a bustling town with towering skyscrapers dotting its skyline. Numerous real estate projects were underway, and at the heart of the town sprawled a large shopping mall. Uninterested in these developments, Kenneth pedaled the cargo bike straight to the county's fresh seafood market. After surveying the stalls, he didn't even bother taking out his yellowfin tuna. The market offered only small fish, shrimp, and farm-raised species like carp and grass carp. While there were a handful of seafood stalls, he was sure none would recognize the true worth of his fish. "If the market's a dead end, I'll give the hotel a shot," Kenneth resolved. After some inquiries, he pinpointed his target: Casa La Daniella. Rumor had it the hotel was a branch of a prestigious metropolitan five-star establishment operated by a relative of the owner. "I'm coming for you, Casa La Daniella!" Arriving at the hotel's impressive entrance with his cargo bike, Kenneth couldn't deny its opulence. Its refined decor rivaled luxury hotels found in major cities. Today, Casa La Daniella was abuzz with a grand birthday banquet, with multiple luxury cars parked out front. But before Kenneth could approach with his cargo bike, he was intercepted by a security guard. "Hey there, we're not giving out scrap today at the hotel. Please come back tomorrow or the day after," the guard informed him politely, eyeing Kenneth's appearance. It suggested Kenneth might be a mere junk collector with his cargo bike. "Hmm?" Kenneth scanned the scene and then responded to the guard after a pause, "Buddy, isn't today the Galasso family patriarch's seventieth birthday celebration?" "Huh?" The security guard was visibly taken aback. Old Mr. Galasso had come from the state capital for the birthday celebration. Not even the dignitaries from other states were aware of the event. And here was this junk collector who seemed to know about it? "The owner of Casa La Daniella asked me to deliver some goods. I rushed over and forgot my phone, so I couldn't contact anyone. Could you please help me relay the message?" Kenneth requested urgently. "Wait a moment, let me call the hotel manager..." the guard began. "Buddy, just call your boss. Your manager doesn't know me. If he turns me away, you might lose your job," Kenneth reminded him sharply. He doubted the hotel manager would understand the fish's actual value. Going straight to the hotel owner seemed like the wisest course. Kenneth had overheard conversations in the lobby confirming that the purpose of their visit was indeed the seventieth birthday banquet of the Galasso family patriarch, who had come from the state capital. Although unsure of the full extent of the Galasso family's power, Kenneth recognized the extraordinary status of the other guests through the luxury cars parked outside Casa La Daniella. Convinced the yellowfin tuna would allow the hotel owner to impress Old Mr. Galasso, he aimed to speak directly with the owner. "Hey, buddy, are you kidding me? What goods are you delivering?" The security guard's disbelief was evident. Kenneth, roughly his age and dressed plainly, negotiating with Casa La Daniella's owner? The hotel's owner was a stunning beauty rarely even seen by the guard. "Hey, come closer." "Hmph," the security guard muttered skeptically as he stepped out from under the awning. When Kenneth opened the sack on his cargo bike, the guard's eyes widened. "What in the world?! What kind of fish is this? It's massive!" "You don't know what fish it is, do you? Take me to your kitchen, and then inform your boss," Kenneth instructed calmly. "Okay, sir! Right away!" The security guard, a local of Hollow Springs, had never encountered such a large fish before. Observing Kenneth's confident demeanor, he began to believe the man, regardless of whether it was a bluff or not. Leading Kenneth to the kitchen entrance, he promptly called the manager... In the president's office on the hotel's eighth floor, Daniella Galasso shared a light moment with her grandfather. "Grandpa, are you sure you're okay with not having the banquet in the state capital this time? Won't our business partners object?" "What objections could they possibly have? It's just an old man's birthday. As long as my precious granddaughter is with me, that's all that matters. But these fellows, following us all the way to this small county, it's unbelievable," Roman Galasso lamented. He was distraught. His only intention was to visit his granddaughter; she was nearing thirty and still unmarried, a fact that weighed heavily on him. Little did he expect that these influential figures from the state capital would audaciously tag along, laden with gifts, necessitating his granddaughter to arrange a birthday banquet. "Hehe, Grandpa, don't get upset. Their presence is a gesture of respect. They just came to celebrate your birthday," Daniella reassured him with a smile. She pondered briefly. "Since they're here, I'll treat them to some local specialties, including wild mushrooms and wild fish." "Oh, can this small place really offer such delicacies?" Roman asked skeptically. "Of course..." Daniella began, but her phone ringing interrupted her thoughts. "Mr. Beauford, I don't think I scheduled a personal meeting with anyone. Are you sure he's here to see me? Alright, I understand." "What's the matter, Daniella?" Roman inquired. "Grandpa, I don't know who's playing games with me. I'll go down and handle it," Daniella declared firmly. Having lived in Hollow Springs for a few months now, she couldn't recall anyone she had offended. To disrupt her grandfather's birthday celebration was unacceptable, and whoever was responsible wouldn't escape her scrutiny. Roman, concerned, followed his granddaughter downstairs. When they reached the kitchen entrance, Daniella spotted the man who had claimed to have a deal with her. He was quite dashing, exuding a refined and elegant air, though his attire was a touch worn. "Are you the one who said you had a deal with me?" Daniella asked, her curiosity piqued as she scrutinized Kenneth. "Ahem! You must be the owner of this hotel, right?" Kenneth spoke carefully, his gaze fixed on Daniella as he sized her up. Beautiful! What a great figure! Despite nearing thirty, she showed no signs of it. She exuded maturity and charm effortlessly. Kenneth had encountered many beautiful women of different ethnicities and nationalities in his travels, even royalty. Yet Daniella before him surpassed them effortlessly. Even in the simplest office attire, her striking beauty shone brighter than ever. "Yes, that's right. I'm Daniella Galasso," she confirmed calmly. "Ms. Galasso, I'm Kenneth Mohler. I apologize for the intrusion," Kenneth introduced himself politely as he leaped off the cargo bike and lifted the sack from the cargo bike. "I heard about you hosting a banquet at this hotel, Ms. Galasso. I have something that might catch Old Mr. Galasso's attention." Before Daniella could respond, Kenneth swiftly opened the bag, revealing half of the yellowfin tuna. "What's this?! Yellowfin tuna? Daniella, I retract what I said earlier. This small town has truly surprised me!" Roman exclaimed in surprise, echoing Daniella's astonishment at the sight of the humongous fish. "That's right, it's pure wild yellowfin tuna. I caught it just three hours ago, and it's still fresh," Kenneth explained with a grin, noting Daniella's reaction. He sensed a deal was on the cards. "You claim you caught this just three hours ago? Young man, while I understand you wish to sell it at a premium, please don't fabricate stories. Hollow Springs is a good four to five hours from the nearest seaport. Did you really ride your cargo bike all the way from there?" Daniella scrutinized Kenneth skeptically, her interest in the fish tempered by doubts about his story. "Ms. Galasso, allow me to clarify. I reside in Learmel Hills, where a river flows to the sea..."